Geography Year 8

• Which continents also have tropical rainforests besides South America?

  Africa and India
• What climate characterizes tropical rainforests?

  Hot and wet all year
• How much light penetrates the ground layer of tropical rainforests?


  2%
• What happens to dead plant matter in the ground layer?

  It quickly decays and releases nutrients
• Why is the soil in tropical rainforests relatively infertile?

  Nutrients are quickly absorbed by plants
• What is the height range of the shrub layer in tropical rainforests?

  0 to 10 meters
• What types of animals can be found in the shrub layer?

  Alligators, Jaya's snakes, and insects
• What is the height range of the under canopy layer?

  10 to 20 meters
• What types of animals are found in the under canopy layer?

  Insects, sloths, and howler monkeys
• What is the height range of the main canopy layer?

  20 to 30 meters
• What role does the main canopy play in the rainforest?


  It shades the layers below
• What are Lianas in the rainforest?

  Creepers rooted to the ground
• How do epiphytes survive in the rainforest?

  By obtaining nutrients from air and rainwater
• What is the height range of the emergent layer?

  30 to 40 meters
• What supports the tall trees in the emergent layer?


  Wide buttress roots
• Why are tropical rainforests considered the most biodiverse biome?

  Many species have adapted to the environment
• How wide can a teak tree grow?

  1. 5 meters across
• What happens to the leaves of a deciduous teak tree during a dry season?

  They shed their leaves
• How do elephants cool themselves in the heat?

  By flapping their ears
• What resources do humans use from tropical rainforests?


  Rubber, bamboo, and wood
• What is the impact of deforestation on the planet?


  It could have a huge impact globally
• What are the layers of a tropical rainforest?


  • Ground layer
  • Shrub layer (0-10 meters)
  • Under canopy (10-20 meters)
  • Main canopy (20-30 meters)
  • Emergent layer (30-40 meters)
• What adaptations do animals have in tropical rainforests?


  • Camouflage for hiding
  • Long limbs for climbing
  • Specialized diets for food sources
  • Social structures for protection
• What are the consequences of unsustainable deforestation?

  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Disruption of ecosystems
  • Climate change acceleration
  • Impact on indigenous communities
• How do tropical rainforests contribute to the global ecosystem?


  • Carbon storage
  • Oxygen production
  • Habitat for diverse species
  • Regulation of water cycles
• What is the most diverse ecosystem in the world?

  Tropical rainforests
• How many of the world's plant and animal species are found in tropical rainforests?

  Over half
• How are plants in tropical rainforests adapted to their environment?

  They have various adaptations for survival
• What are the adaptations of lianas in tropical rainforests?

  • Woody vines rooted in the ground
  • Climb trees to reach the canopy
  • Grow leaves and flowers in sunlight
• What are epiphytes and how do they survive?

  • Grow on branches of trees in the canopy
  • Get nutrients from air and water
  • Do not rely on soil for nutrients
• What is the function of buttress roots in large trees?


  • Stabilize and support the tree
  • Prevent falling in high winds
  • Increase nutrient intake due to large surface area
• Why are tree trunks in tropical rainforests thin and tall?

  To reach sunlight
• What is the purpose of smooth bark on tree trunks?

  To allow water to flow down to roots
• How are leaves adapted in tropical rainforests?

  • Have drip tips for quick water runoff
  • Flexible bases to turn towards sunlight
  • Maximize photosynthesis
• What is a unique feature of poison dart frogs?

  They have toxic glands in their skin
• Why are poison dart frogs brightly colored?

  To warn potential predators
• What are the key adaptations of animals in tropical rainforests?

  • Toucans: Long beaks for reaching food
  • Sloths: Camouflage and slow movement
  • Poison dart frogs: Toxic glands and bright colors
• What is a Biome?

  A big group of living things (plants, animals, etc.) that thrive in a specific type of environment.
• What is an Ecosystem?

  A community of living things (plants, animals, etc.) and non-living things (air, water, sunlight, etc.) that all work together in a specific area.
• What is a Tropical Rainforest?

  A special type of forest that grows in hot and humid places near the equator, home to many different types of plants and animals.